I think I want to go and play with one. What really attracts me is the Wacom digitiser and the potential of using it as a sketchpad. Though I don't really do much sketching anymore so I'm worried about the potential for spending $1000 for nothing.

I do need to replace my aging 11" Macbook Air but it still works well and refuses to die even after I poured a cup of water on it. It just lags playing back 720P videos and the like.

That's very pessimistic and doesn't help anyone or anything. Worrying about others doesn't help my situation at all. IMO, involving politics and what other people own is an excuse, it's largely a form of jealousy and another type of poison to avoid. It's about the person, their behaviors and perceptions, and whether they choose to change those so they can build wealth. It's not easy, it's very hard, that's why only 2% can count their net worth in the 7 digits and most other live hand-to-mouth. Plus, the wealth itself isn't the reward, the goal is getting away from vapid consumerism and learning to be happy while pursuing self-sufficiency. I can't guarantee that anyone will become a millionaire, but I will say that you'll be much happier.

I don't mean at all to imply that it is, was, or ever will be easy. Nor do I think that political incitements are mostly a form of jealousy, however I do not deny that jealousy may be a common factor. For instance, suppose you take the 3% of the population you stated were workaholics but not in the top 1% -- I could see how they would be jealous that less than 25% of them could make it.

To offer up another counterexample, I found my net worth to be in the 7 digits without even finishing college and largely by circumstance. I certainly don't feel like I earned it and that in itself is a source of an anxiety which I suspect to be much different from your own.

Simply put, you can't differentiate economics from politics from human nature, and there are countless schools of thought in each field. This is exactly why it is worth it to discuss not only economics and work habits, but their political context and the attendant psychology.

I think I want to go and play with one. What really attracts me is the Wacom digitiser and the potential of using it as a sketchpad. Though I don't really do much sketching anymore so I'm worried about the potential for spending $1000 for nothing.

I do need to replace my aging 11" Macbook Air but it still works well and refuses to die even after I poured a cup of water on it. It just lags playing back 720P videos and the like.

I feel like the Surface has a form factor I would like...

Then pour MORE WATER!

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwinter

Has it been confirmed that the Surface Pro has a Wacom digitizer? I thought it was some tech from a company that Microsoft bought. How many levels of pressure sensitivity?

I think I want to go and play with one. What really attracts me is the Wacom digitiser and the potential of using it as a sketchpad. Though I don't really do much sketching anymore so I'm worried about the potential for spending $1000 for nothing.

I do need to replace my aging 11" Macbook Air but it still works well and refuses to die even after I poured a cup of water on it. It just lags playing back 720P videos and the like.

I feel like the Surface has a form factor I would like...

I say go play widit! And record yourself having fun in the process. By-the-way, that must have really been some BAD tea if you're pouring water out, regardless of where or on what!

Has it been confirmed that the Surface Pro has a Wacom digitizer? I thought it was some tech from a company that Microsoft bought. How many levels of pressure sensitivity?

Defo a Wacom. Now that I think about it if I sell my old Wacom tablet on eBay and maybe find a buyer for this Macbook Air with a non functional alt/command key the Surface Pro won't be such a hit to the ol' wallet...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silent One

I say go play widit! And record yourself having fun in the process. By-the-way, that must have really been some BAD tea if you're pouring water out, regardless of where or on what!

It was more an attempt to carry the open laptop + a cup of water down the stairs kind of whoopsie.

Defo a Wacom. Now that I think about it if I sell my old Wacom tablet on eBay and maybe find a buyer for this Macbook Air with a non functional alt/command key the Surface Pro won't be such a hit to the ol' wallet...

Oooooo interesting. I know it would just be a waste of my money for me though. I'd never sketch on it no matter how much I planned to or told myself I wanted to.

Hey, since we're all just sitting here waiting for the subject to change...

Subject change? Why? I think this can be an awesome opportunity.

Well okay then... QUIZ TIME!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magick Man

1. Don't view money as a consumable resource. Think of ways to make it grow, study the habits of people who are self-sufficient and read books on the subject, there are lots out there.

Yup. Not to get all self-helpy, but quite a large percentage of "success" autobiographies are more about imparting knowledge and wisdom... as opposed to simply being about boasting and chest beating.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magick Man

2. Do you love to work? 9/10 people who are in the top 1% are extreme workaholics, compared to 3% in the bottom 98. In the case of the former group, they sleep an average of 4-6 hours /night, spend <2 hours /day on recreation. The rest of the time, yeah, you guessed it, they're working on ideas to build wealth.

YES! I know I b***c about work and hours on occasion, but the fact is that I love it. I love setting goals, and then making progress towards meeting them. I also enjoy exceeding my [known] limits. It's not all about working hard though, more about working smart. It just happens that when one enjoys the process, they naturally want to do it more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magick Man

3. Do you enjoy saving money? I'm not talking about stuffing it away in a mattress or savings account (both bad ideas, of course), but more about getting a good deal. For me, haggling and shopping are more fun than the actual buying. Years ago I actually rewired myself to view spending money as being physically painful, unless it was really necessary, and taught myself that it was emotionally rewarding to save and make more. That last part actually took a long time to undo, and even now it's still a part of me.

Only so far as to not interfere with generating wealth. I tend to always favor growth over any kind of recession or retraction. I also tend to look at saving as a sub-component of investment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magick Man

4. Do what you love. Make a list of the things you enjoy and find ways to make as many of them as you can profitable. This takes a while but really think about it, actually allot time every day to coming up with ideas and writing them down (2-3 hours), then explore how to make them happen. Don't be afraid to approach successful people in those fields and ask them for advice and information. Some may brush you off but many won't.

This, I cannot emphasize this enough. Beyond the principle of wanting to be passionate about what one does, there are times when sheer determination and discipline is just not enough. In a lot of cases, getting over certain challenges comes down to how much one wants something. And that often comes down to how much one loves a thing.

And for anyone contemplating the rewards of doing what you love at the expense of financial security, I can only say this. Try to think about your life in hindsight from an imaginary deathbed. Be sure to let that factor into your decision... because regret can be an immutable b*t*h.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magick Man

5. Go to where the money is. If there's little or no opportunity where you are then you may have to move. Research where the best locations for business are.

Pretty much common sense I think. Remember, it's not about building a better mousetrap. It's about someone buying a better mousetrap. Work backwards from there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magick Man

6. Don't undervalue your work and efforts. If you treat your time as valuable other people will too. Time = money, money = time.

I do this sometimes. But not because I lack self-confidence, but because I am naturally aware and critical of myself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magick Man

7. Set financial goals you can achieve and then gradually make them more challenging.

Agreed. And BTW, that part about realistic is the key here. While pipe dreams are seductive, actually working towards them is often more of a marathon and less of a sprint.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magick Man

8. Don't quit. At some point you will fall, but learn from it. Analyze what happened and look at is a chance to do better the next time. Don't get angry at other people WRT money, that's like personally drinking poison just to spite them. They won't care and you're only hurting yourself. Get back at them by making yourself better and becoming more successful than they are.

Or alternatively, come to the realization that the vast majority of people, including the affluent, do not want to hurt you. Rather, they would help you given the chance. I've seen this play out time and time again. Neither the rich nor the poor are enemies of the other. Rather, it is the notion that we must somehow be at odds with each other, that works against us all.

I don't mean at all to imply that it is, was, or ever will be easy. Nor do I think that political incitements are mostly a form of jealousy, however I do not deny that jealousy may be a common factor. For instance, suppose you take the 3% of the population you stated were workaholics but not in the top 1% -- I could see how they would be jealous that less than 25% of them could make it.

To offer up another counterexample, I found my net worth to be in the 7 digits without even finishing college and largely by circumstance. I certainly don't feel like I earned it and that in itself is a source of an anxiety which I suspect to be much different from your own.

Simply put, you can't differentiate economics from politics from human nature, and there are countless schools of thought in each field. This is exactly why it is worth it to discuss not only economics and work habits, but their political context and the attendant psychology.

The 3% who aren't in the top 1% are usually very well off. If they aren't, then they're falling into the trap of "working harder but not smarter", and usually not doing something they enjoy, but grinding away at a job they hate and making themselves miserable.

I feel you actually can separate politics and the attendant psychology, I did. Since I was a young adult I didn't care what anyone else did, what they had, or who was "in power". That's a distraction, and often another excuse. You would be incorrect WRT to my finances, I inherited a great deal, but I was already in the "build wealth" mode and happily working at it for years. When it happened it was like, "Oh, that's cool, I can move up my timetable". Anxiety due to guilt is an awful thing and should be purged ASAP. Do what you feel is right and live while pursuing happiness. It doesn't need to be complicated.

Oh, I think it will. I don't have anything going on just this moment. Money doesn't have to be a tender subject (NPI).

*list

That's a fantastic list...for those who want to be wealthy.

There are people, like myself, who just want to be comfortable. To not have to worry about being able to afford decent things in life. I chose to go into a profession that pays a decent amount of money, yet does not require one to be high strung at all times.

No offense to you, but your list almost proves my point that people at the top don't quite understand the rest. It caters to people who want to be entrepreneurs, not the run-of-the-mill nurses, etc. There's a reason that there is only one Michael Jordan. The competitive nature that drove him to the top still gives him that personality edge at the ripe old age of 50.

Most people just want to be well-off enough. That definition may vary from person to person though. Unfortunately, some who make the rules believe that everyone must see the world through their eyes...."if they would just work harder."...."if they would just go to college."...."if they would just stop being bums." All without considering the factors that may be hindering them.

I hold the same view as Magick Man so eloquently stated... on an audio forum no less. Where consumers are had, took, bamboozled into sharing, craving and spending.

Disclaimer: I welcome and agree with the terms and sponsorship that allows me to post the opinion of such in the first place.

Okay, back to the dirt! I'd like to add a bit of perspective: in making one's way in the world, one is going to have/develop habits anyway. Why not make a conscious effort to make sure they are good ones?

Quick add: This is not to say I differ with my other fellow members. But rather, highlighting one's respective path with thought.

You.. can be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes! You can be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes! You say.. "Steve.. how can I be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes?" First.. get a million dollars. Now.. you say, "Steve.. what do I say to the tax man when he comes to my door and says, 'You.. have never paid taxes'?" Two simple words. Two simple words in the English language: "I forgot!" How many times do we let ourselves get into terrible situations because we don't say "I forgot"? Let's say you're on trial for armed robbery. You say to the judge, "I forgot armed robbery was illegal." Let's suppose he says back to you, "You have committed a foul crime. you have stolen hundreds and thousands of dollars from people at random, and you say, 'I forgot'?" Two simple words: Excuuuuuse me!!"

I have no problem with someone not wanting to commit to the work required to achieve the top rung - as long as they don't think that there should be something the people at the top rung should do to make it easier for them. That's BS. You want it - go for it. If someone values other things higher, then they should be content with the results of the choices they have made. What drives me crazy is the concept that there is something the people with wealth should *do* - whether it is saving the world, stopping poverty, fixing the environment, whatever. Expecting someone to act against their best interests just because they have wealth is silly. If an opportunity is provided that *is* in their best interest AND also makes the world a better place, the money will flow in big buckets to the cause. TANSTAAFL!Edited by billybob_jcv - 5/29/13 at 5:52pm